31st July 2023 – overcast/showers WSW5/6
Offshore
Observations on the rising tide (0700-0800) were highlighted by 2 Arctic Skua and a Great Skua, also seen were 155 Common Scoter, 140 Sandwich Tern, 69 Gannet, 56 Manx Shearwater, 31 Arctic Tern, 4 Little Tern and a Kittiwake.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 100 Turnstone, 5 Greenshank, 3 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
A total of 55 Little Egret were logged.
Breeding Birds
A total of 19 juvenile Shelduck were seen and a post-breeding flock of 50 Goldfinch was logged.
30th July 2023 – sunny spells WSW5/6
Offshore
Extended observations through the morning over the tide (0730-1130) were highlighted by 10 Storm Petrel, also seen were 635 Common Scoter, 244 Gannet, 117 Manx Shearwater, 91 Sandwich Tern, 13 Kittiwake, 8 Arctic Skua, 7 Fulmar, 3 Guillemot, 2 Little Tern and an Arctic Tern.
29th July 2023 – sunny spells SW3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 1660 Common Scoter, 237 Manx Shearwater, 32 Gannet, 60 Sandwich Tern, 10 Little Tern and 3 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Two Wheatear and 2 Willow Warbler were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
A single Whimbrel was the pick of the waders.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 65 moths of 31 species with immigrants involving 8 Silver Y and 3 Dark Sword-grass.
27th July 2023 – overcast/mizzle/murk W2/3
Grounded Migrants
A Cuckoo was newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 5 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and a single Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Marsh Harrier remains and the first Merlin has returned.
26th July 2023 – sunny spells SW3/4, rain later
Offshore
A better morning over the sea (0700-0800) produced 760 Manx Shearwater, 280 Common Scoter, 34 Gannet, 28 Sandwich Tern, 7 Kittiwake, 4 Arctic Tern, 3 Little Tern, 2 Guillemot and single Fulmar and Razorbill.
Grounded Migrants
Just 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 Whitethroat were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The first 2 Wigeon have returned and waders included a single Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and Marsh Harrier remain.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held White-spotted Pug and Fen Wainscot - both new for the year.
25th July 2023 – sunny spells NW2/3/4
Offshore
Another quiet over the sea this morning with just 20 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Scoter and single Gannet and Little Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
Another small influx was evident with 12 Willow Warbler, 10 Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroat and a Wheatear seen along with 14 Pied Wagtail.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 40 Swallow and a Grey Wagtail flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a single Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and Marsh Harrier remain and 2 Peregrine were logged.
24th July 2023 – sunny spells NE3
Offshore
Another quiet over the sea this morning with just 52 Common Scoter, 50 Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet and 5 Little Tern logged.
Grounded Migrants
A small influx was evident with 10 Whitethroat, 9 Willow Warbler, 6 Sedge Warbler and single Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, and Robin recorded.
Diurnal Migration
Seven Sand Martin and single Swift, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and Tree Sparrow flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Greenshank and single Black-tailed Godwit and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Mammals
Both Red Fox and Badger revealed their presence.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 73 moths of 73 species with the nationally scarce Portland Moth the highlight while Bordered Beauty, Yellow-tail and Small Wainscot were new for the year.
21st July 2023 – sunny spells and showers WNW3/4/5
Offshore
Quiet over the sea this morning (0700-0800) with just 77 Common Scoter, 72 Sandwich Tern, 19 Gannet and 3 Manx Shearwater.
Grounded Migrants
Single Robin, Willow Warbler and Wheatear were considered newly arrived.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 11 Greenshank 4 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier remains.
Mammals
A Red Fox was an unwelcome sight.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held Herald, Antler Moth and Rosy Rustic – all new for the year while a Painted Lady was the pick of the butterflies.
20th July 2023 – sunny spells WNW3/4
Offshore
A better variety over the sea this morning (0700-0800) provided 84 Sandwich Tern, 83 Common Scoter, 16 Gannet, 10 Little Tern, 8 Arctic Tern, 4 Arctic Skua, 2 Red-throated Diver and single Manx Shearwater, Fulmar and Common Tern.
Grounded Migrants
Two Willow Warbler and a Wheatear were considered newly arrived.
Diurnal Migration
Single Swift, Lesser Redpoll and Grey Wagtail moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Shoveler remains and waders included 120 Sanderling, 50 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held Dun-bar and July Highflier – both new for the year while a Painted Lady and Comma were the pick of the butterflies.
19th July 2023 – sunny spells WNW2/3
Offshore
A quiet morning over the sea (0700-0800) with just 28 Sandwich Tern, 23 Common Scoter, 20 Gannet, 3 Arctic Tern and single Manx Shearwater and Kittiwake logged.
Grounded Migrants
Totals of 15 Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler and a Blackcap included at least some newly grounded birds.
Diurnal Migration
Two Swift and a Grey Wagtail moved through.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Shoveler was new in and waders included 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Marsh Harrier and Hooded Crow remain.
Mammals
A Weasel was seen.
Butterflies and Moths
Butterflies included 4 Grayling and 2 Holly Blue.
Dragonflies
Four Black-tailed Skimmer, 2 Emperor Dragonfly and 5 Brown Hawker were seen.
18th July 2023 – overcast/rain soon SW2/3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0530-0630) was highlighted by a Storm Petrel amongst 355 Common Scoter, 28 Sandwich Tern, 22 Gannet, 5 Pintail and 2 Great Crested Grebe.
Miscellaneous
A beached bird survey highlighted the issues currently surrounding HPAI and seabirds with totals of 171 Guillemot, 13 Razorbill, 7 Kittiwake, 5 Manx Shearwater, 3 Gannet, 2 Fulmar and single Puffin, Arctic Tern and Sandwich Tern found dead along the maritime shore.
Mammals
A total of 4 Harbour Porpoise were also found washed up on the strandline.
17th July 2023 – sunny spells W2/3
Grounded Migrants
An adult Willow Warbler was already heading south.
Diurnal Migration
Two Grey Wagtail were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 28 Sanderling, 4 Common Sandpiper and Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
Two Raven were the best of the rest.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 46 moths of 18 species, immigrants included 5 Silver Y and a Rusty Dot Pearl while Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Least Yellow Underling, Straw Underwing and Tawny Shears were new for the year.
16th July 2023 – early showers WSW4/5/6
Offshore
A check of the sea (0630-0830) revealed 1195 Common Scoter, 75 Gannet, 10 Sandwich Tern, 2 Manx Shearwater and a Common Tern. At high tide a Black Guillemot and 100 Sandwich Tern were on the sheltered eastern shore.
Diurnal Migration
A single Swift was logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included a Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
15th July 2023 – frequent showers S4/5/6/7
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 272 Common Scoter, 82 Gannet, 19 Sandwich Tern, 5 Manx Shearwater and single Common Tern and Little Tern.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 23 Swift were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 10 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and Marsh Harrier continue in residence.
14th July 2023 – overcast/showers/rain later SE2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 32 Gannet, 22 Sandwich Tern, 7 Common Scoter and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull.
Diurnal Migration
Three Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 12 Greenshank, 3 Black-tailed Godwit and single Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues in residence.
Mammals
A Bottle-nosed Dolphin was offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
The Crescent and Scalloped Oak were new for the year.
13th July 2023 – bright and sunny W2/3
Offshore
A check of the sea revealed 32 Little Tern, 20 Sandwich Tern, 11 Common Scoter, 3 Gannet, 2 Arctic Tern and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull.
Grounded Migrants
Single Grasshopper Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were logged.
Diurnal Migration
Three Collared Dove, 3 Grey Wagtail and a Lesser Redpoll flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 132 Curlew, 44 Grey Plover, 22 Turnstone, 20 Sanderling, 15 Greenshank, 7 Common Sandpiper, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier and long-staying Hooded Crow continue in residence and 22 Little Egret were seen.
Breeding Birds
A total of 23 Stonechat (including 18 juveniles) were seen.
Mammals
Single Otter and Red Fox were seen.
Butterflies and Moths
A total of 13 butterfly species were logged with 131 Meadow Brown, 95 Gatekeeper, 58 Small White, 21 Red Admiral, 8 Large White, 5 Holly Blue, 5 Comma, 4 Green-veined White, 2 Small Copper and single Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Small Skipper.
12th July 2023 – overcast WSW4/5
Offshore
Early morning observations (0700-0800) produced 1005 Common Scoter, 400 Manx Shearwater, 31 Sandwich Tern, 16 Gannet, 4 Kittiwake and 3 Guillemot.
11th July 2023 – sunny spells SW3/4
Offshore
A morning sea watch on the falling tide (0630-0730) produced 915 Common Scoter, 470 Manx Shearwater, 60 Sandwich Tern, 3 Kittiwake and 2 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 630 Dunlin, 12 Knot and 7 Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier remains.
Breeding Birds
Several recently fledged Whitethroat and Stonechat juveniles were seen.
10th July 2023 – overcast/rain later SE2/3
Offshore
A morning sea watch on the falling tide (0700-0800) produced 1405 Common Scoter, 330 Manx Shearwater, 33 Sandwich Tern, 16 Little Tern, 7 Teal, 7 Gannet, 2 Mediterranean Gull and single Shag and Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A Swift was logged.
Ringing
A Herring Gull had previously been ringed in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.
Butterflies and Moths
The moth trap held 49 moths of 22 species including 6 Silver Y and a Double Lobed. Butterflies included a Painted Lady amongst a few Red Admiral.
9th July 2023 – sunny spells/warm SE1/2
Diurnal Migration
A single Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 30 Redshank, 5 Greenshank and single Common Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe and a brood of Tufted Duck were seen.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow remains.
Butterflies and Moths
A Painted Lady was amongst a few Red Admiral. The moth trap held 49 moths of 27 species with 8 Silver Y the only immigrants.
8th July 2023 – overcast/warm/humid ESE3/4, thunderstorms later
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) produced 350 Common Scoter, 20 Sandwich Tern and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull
Diurnal Migration
A total of 11 Swift flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included single Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow and Marsh Harrier continue their residency.
7th July 2023 – overcast SE3/4
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0730-0830) produced 550 Common Scoter, 42 Sandwich Tern, 21 Gannet and 19 Manx Shearwater.
Wildfowl and Waders
A Greenshank was logged.
Miscellaneous
The Hooded Crow continues its residency.
6th July 2023 – overcast SW2/3
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0700-0800) produced 765 Common Scoter, 60 Sandwich Tern, 10 Gannet, 4 Goosander, 3 Common Tern, 3 Little Tern and 3 Arctic Tern.
Wildfowl and Waders
Two Black-tailed Godwit and single Common Sandpiper and Snipe were logged.
Miscellaneous
The female Marsh Harrier continues its residency.
Mammals
Three Bottle-nosed Dolphin were offshore.
Butterflies and Moths
Sightings included 8 Dark Green Fritillary, 6 Grayling and a Painted Lady.
5th July 2023 – overcast SW3/4
Offshore
Another quiet morning over the sea (0700-0800) with just 50 Sandwich Tern, 35 Common Scoter and 2 Gannet.
Grounded Migrants
Single Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler were hints that the first warblers are already beginning to head south.
Wildfowl and Waders
Single Black-tailed Godwit and Snipe were logged.
4th July 2023 – sunny spells WSW3/4
Offshore
A quiet morning over the sea (0700-0800) with just 47 Common Scoter, 14 Sandwich Tern, 8 Little Tern, 7 Gannet, 2 Shag and 2 Manx Shearwater.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders still provide variety with 15 species logged, sighting included 100 Knot, 31 Dunlin, 30 Grey Plover, 10 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper and single Snipe and Black-tailed Godwit.
3rd July 2023 – overcast/showers W3/4/5
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-1000) were highlighted by 5 Storm Petrel, however otherwise it with quiet with just 95 Common Scoter, 42 Sandwich Tern, 13 Manx Shearwater, 8 Gannet, 4 Guillemot and an Arctic Skua logged.
2nd July 2023 – overcast W4/5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0600-0700) produced 100 Common Scoter, 11 Gannet, 8 Sandwich Tern and 4 Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Waders included 3 Bar-tailed Godwit and single Greenshank and Whimbrel.
Butterflies and Moths
An Obscure Wainscot was new for the year.
1st July 2023 – overcast W4/5/6
Offshore
Observations over the sea (0800-1000) produced 270 Common Scoter, 300 Manx Shearwater, 125 Gannet, 100 Sandwich Tern, 5 Common Tern and single Fulmar, Arctic Skua and Kittiwake.
Breeding Birds
Post-breeding flocks of Linnet continue to build.
